Companies all over the world have always tried to create and capitalise on competitive
advantages, ensuring profitability and long term survival. Due to the increasing competition
in most markets, mainly caused by globalization, liberalisation and better information of the
customers, the need to gain advantages in competition is now more essential than ever.
This essay, labelled “Cultural diversity is a source of international competitive advantage.
Critically evaluate”, shall point out the complexity of this topic.
“What business strategy is all about; what distinguishes it from all other kinds of business
planning - is, in a word, competitive advantage. Without competitors there would be no
need for strategy, for the sole purpose of strategic planning is to enable the company to
gain, as effectively as possible, a sustainable edge over its competitors.” Keniche Ohnae
(http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/8183.html: accessed on 30.11.2005)
Michael Porter, professor at the Harvard Business School, stated that competitive
advantages depend on different factors like the availability of resources, the size and
sophistication of the market or the type of strategic networks. (Schneider and Barsoux,
1997) He also said that choosing the right strategies make the company unique, build
brand reputation or set the right goal. (Porter, 2005)
In general, competitive advantage is often associated with specific business operations
like mentioned above.
Little people think that also cultural diversity provides a source of competitive advantage. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Cultural Diversity is a Source of International Competitive Advantage
- Introduction
- Competitive Advantage
- Cultural Diversity as a Source of Competitive Advantage
- Disadvantages of Cultural Diversity
- Corporate Culture
- Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
- Globalisation and Cultural Diversity
- The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Organisations
- The Five Dimensions of Hofstede
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the complex relationship between cultural diversity and competitive advantage in a globalized business environment. It seeks to critically evaluate the argument that cultural diversity serves as a source of competitive advantage for companies.
- The importance of competitive advantage in business strategy
- The potential benefits of cultural diversity for companies
- The challenges and disadvantages associated with cultural diversity in the workplace
- The role of corporate culture in managing cultural diversity
- The influence of globalization on cultural diversity in business
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the essay's topic and provides background information on competitive advantage and the increasing importance of cultural diversity in a globalized business environment.
- Competitive Advantage: This chapter explores the concept of competitive advantage and its significance for business strategy. It discusses various factors that contribute to competitive advantage, such as resource availability, market size, and strategic networks.
- Cultural Diversity as a Source of Competitive Advantage: This chapter examines the potential benefits of cultural diversity for organizations. It highlights how a diverse workforce can bring new ideas, creativity, and innovation to the workplace.
- Disadvantages of Cultural Diversity: This chapter addresses the challenges and disadvantages associated with cultural diversity. It discusses cultural shock, communication barriers, and the need for effective cultural management.
- Corporate Culture: This chapter explores the concept of corporate culture and its role in managing cultural diversity. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong organizational culture that values diversity and inclusivity.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this essay include competitive advantage, cultural diversity, globalization, corporate culture, cultural shock, communication barriers, diversity management, Hofstede's dimensions of culture, and human resource management.
- Quote paper
- Stefanie Hoffmann (Author), 2005, Cultural Diversity is a source of international competitive advantage., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/55112
